6 Best Campgrounds near Zion National Park

When it comes to Utah's "Mighty 5" parks, Zion National park is one of the best places for camping. The elevation is not excessively high, so temperatures are warmer here from fall through spring than parks like Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. The most popular place for camping is near the South Gate. This is the area closest to the park's main attractions, and it's where you'll find Zion National Park's two main campgrounds. Just outside the gate is the town of Springdale, where you'll find some RV parks. On the east side of the park, just outside the entrance, is a small RV park, and further on is a quaint campground at beautiful Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

Campers traveling with RVs should be aware that they will need to pay a small fee to pass through the tunnel on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. The tunnel is not large enough to accommodate RVs passing other traffic, so when a vehicle over a certain size is entering the tunnel, traffic is halted in the opposing direction. Fees need to be paid at the entrance stations.

1 South Campground in Zion National Park

South Campground is undoubtedly the best place to camp in Zion. Large, leafy trees provide some shade from the heat of the day. Campsites are large and spaced a good distance from each other, and the cliff walls in behind remind you that you are in one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Southwest. Conveniently located near the south entrance, just outside of Springdale, this campground offers the advantage of staying within the park but close enough to town that you can run in and grab anything you may have forgotten. Camping inside the park also means you won't have to deal with the lineup to get into the park in the morning.

This campground is open from March 1 to late November and is first-come, first-served. Turnover is high, so you have a good chance of getting a site, but you need to arrive early. The campground is typically full by noon, but during busy times, lineups start as early as 5:30, and campsites are assigned beginning at 7:00, 7:30, and 8:00am, depending on the daylight hours. There are no hookups but there is a dump station and potable water. Facilities consist of flush toilets. South Campground has 17 sites, and each site is allowed a maximum of one camper or RV, or three tents, and up to six people. Four group sites, allowing up to 15 people each, are available.

2 Watchman Campground in Zion National Park

Not far from South Campground, Watchman Campground is also conveniently located and scenic. Fewer large trees mean there is less shade, and most campsites are in full sun, but this also allows for better views of the surrounding mountains.

This campground is open year-round and does take reservations. Reservations can be made six months in advance, and you should book well in advance if you want to secure a site. About 95 campsites offer electrical hookups, and 69 sites are for tents only, including 18 walk-in tent sites. In addition, six group sites are able to accommodate between 9 and 40 people.

3 Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort

For convenience, it's hard to beat this RV park, located right outside the park's south gate in Springdale and within walking distance of the Zion National Park Visitor Center. The campground has a spacious area for RVs and a section reserved for tents. Large deciduous trees offer some shade, and the views here are fantastic. Zion Campground adjoins the Quality Inn and is part of the same operation. On-site is a heated pool, coin laundry, and showers. From the front desk, you can get information on river tubing and swimming, as well as other activities in the area.

4 Zion River Resort RV Park and Campground

Zion River Resort is a popular RV resort with manicured grounds, shady sites, paved parking pads, fire pits, and lawns. Located in the town of Virgin, between the towns of Hurricane and Springdale, this resort is about 20 minutes from Zion National Park. With pull-through sites, full hookups, tent sites, pool, Wi-Fi, showers, restrooms, and pet areas, this RV resort has everything you need. If you don't want to drive to Zion, the resort offers shuttles for a small fee.

5 Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a spectacular little state park with a very nice campground. It's worth a trip in its own right just to explore the dunes. This campground is about a 40-minute drive from the east gate of Zion National Park, but it's worth considering if you are looking for some place to camp on the east side of the park.

Sites are all located along a single loop and set among juniper and pinon pines, providing plenty of privacy. Each site offers pull-through parking, a picnic table, and a grill. You can book a site here up to four months in advance. It's also worth noting that the group site here is fantastic, with a modern barbecue, and it can hold between 25 and 50 people.

6 Hi-Road Campground

Just outside the East Gate is the Hi-Road Campground. This is a convenient location if you are interested in getting an early start on the East Rim hike, or if you are arriving late from the east side of the park and want to stop and spend the night before driving through the park. Otherwise, this is not most campers' first choice, and it's not a place where most visitors linger. Hi-Ground has pull-through sites, full hookups, and tent sites. Facilities are basic. Across the road from the campground is a trading post with some basic supplies.

Where to Stay if the Campgrounds are Full

The closest town to Zion National Park, and the best place to base yourself, is Springdale, but you will pay for the convenience of being right outside the park gate. Most hotels in Springdale are mid-range or luxury, and prices for both are generally high. For better deals, you may want to consider staying in St. George, just under an hour away, where there are plenty of chain hotels in a variety of price ranges.

Springdale Hotels: For a combination of quality accommodation and a relatively reasonable rate, try La Quinta Inn & Suites at Zion Park or the Quality Inn and Suites Montclair. Both of these are mid-range options, offering easy access to Zion, and come with a complimentary breakfast. The Quality Inn has a seasonal outdoor pool. Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens is a high-end property near the south gate of Zion and a great place if you want to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The five-acre grounds encompass a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, including a waterfall hot tub, as well as a riverside beach. Accommodation ranges from standard luxury rooms to multi-bedroom villas with full kitchens.

St. George Hotels: For the best value around Zion National Park, it's best to look for accommodation in St. George. At the top of the list for value are the Best Western Travel Inn and Clarion Suites. Both of these provide complimentary breakfast and feature outdoor pools. The Clarion also offers rooms with fridges and microwaves. Alternatively, for about the same price as a mid-range hotel in Springdale, you can treat yourself to luxury accommodation in St. George at The Inn at Entrada.